Challenger 850 Specifications & Booking
Overview of the Challenger 850
The Challenger 850 is a mid-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. It belongs to the Global family, a series of corporate aircraft designed for comfort, efficiency, and reliability. The Challenger 850 made its first flight in 2001 and entered service in 2003.
Technical Specifications
The following technical specifications provide an overview of the Challenger 850's capabilities:
- Dimensions:
- Length: 77 ft 10 in (23.72 m)
- Wingspan: 75 ft 5 in (23.0 m)
- Height: 21 ft 1 in (6.43 m)
- Weight:
- Empty weight: 47,300 lb (21,442 kg)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 63,500 lb (28,764 kg)
- Engines:
- Type: General Electric CF34-3B
- Thrust: 11,000 lbf (49 kN) each
- Fuel efficiency: 0.65 lb/mile (1.24 kg/km)
- Performance:
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.84 (575 mph or 925 km/h)
- Range: 4,000 nm (7,408 km) at 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
- Cruising altitude: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
- Capacity:
- Passengers: Up to 16
- Cargo: 1,350 cu ft (38.2 cubic meters)
- Crew: Two pilots
Design and Features
The Challenger 850's design combines modern aerodynamics with a spacious cabin. Its sleek exterior features a curved fuselage, swept wings, and a T-tail configuration. The aircraft's interior offers ample legroom, large windows, and customizable seating for up to 16 passengers. Notable features include:
- Airshow-winning design
- Smart cabin technology for enhanced passenger experience
- Advanced avionics and navigation systems
History and Development
The Challenger 850's development began in the late 1990s as a response to growing demand for mid-size business jets. Key milestones include:
- First flight: December 2001
- Certification: September 2003
- Entry into service: October 2003
- Significant upgrades and variants:
- Radar-evading design features
- Improved avionics and navigation systems
- Series of minor updates and enhancements
Operational Use
The Challenger 850 is used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Airlines and organizations that operate it:
- Bombardier Aviation
- Gulfstream Aerospace
- Other private operators and charter companies
- Prominent routes or missions:
- Transcontinental flights in the United States
- International business travel to Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Military operations and humanitarian missions
Interesting Facts
Here are three interesting facts about the Challenger 850:
- Unique design choices:
- Radar-evading design features to minimize detection
- Smart cabin technology for enhanced passenger experience
- Famous flights or events:
- Bombardier's demonstration flight at the 2005 Paris Air Show
- Transatlantic record-breaking flight in 2012
- Pop culture appearances:
- The Office (US) episode "The Delivery" features a Challenger 850
- Bombardier's marketing campaigns often feature the aircraft prominently
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Challenger 850 unique?
The Challenger 850 stands out for its radar-evading design, smart cabin technology, and exceptional performance capabilities.
How much does the Challenger 850 cost?
The estimated cost range for a Challenger 850 is between $50 million to $70 million, depending on configuration and customization.
What is the range of the Challenger 850?
The Challenger 850 has a range of approximately 4,000 nm (7,408 km) at 45,000 ft (13,716 m), making it suitable for long-range flights across continents.
Which airlines operate the Challenger 850?
Bombardier Aviation and Gulfstream Aerospace are among the primary operators of the Challenger 850, with other private operators and charter companies also flying the aircraft.
Has the Challenger 850 been used in notable events or missions?
Yes, the Challenger 850 has been involved in several notable events and missions, including a transatlantic record-breaking flight in 2012 and appearances in popular TV shows like The Office (US).
